Etnodesign – tradycja i teraźniejszość. Próba współczesnego komentarza

Abstract

The article describes ethnodesign, understood as a synonym of material creativity which draws on the models of traditional craft and folk art. The author treats ethnodesign as an idea in which we should notice a number of senses and complex actions, aimed at the revival in the context of contemporary culture. The revival of general forms, principles and values which are the basis of life in traditional folk culture. The author presents an extensive outline of the history of Polish ethnodesign, starting from the end of 19th century to the beginning of 21st century; she illustrates the links with folklorism, she indicates the need of multi-faceted understanding of its contemporary sociocultural functions. She states that, firstly, ethnodesign should be understood as a collection of items which use styles, patterns, materials and forms taken from folk culture; secondly, what is important is the significance of ethnodesign in the system of relationships and social activities that are initiated in the process of making items of this kind. And thirdly, ethnodesign may serve to evoke traditional way of thinking and perceiving the world and refer to former elementary values, norms and principles known from the folk culture. The author emphasizes the need of liberating contemporary ethnodesign from stereotypical associations and the necessity of noticing its important role in the contemporary culture, which, in different ways, seeks alternative to everything that is unified, global, identical and temporary. Ethnodesign understood in this way can help to open to cultural diversity, close and distant traditions, and can also help build more aware and committed participation in culture, its tradition and present social life.